Over the objections of chanting protesters, an MBTA Board appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to take control of the transit authority voted Monday to raise fares by an average of roughly 9.3 percent starting July 1.
The fare hikes, which will raise about $42 million for fiscal 2017, come on the heels of an overall increase in fares of 23 percent in 2012. Fare hikes were also approved in 2007, 2004 and 2000.
Caroline Casey, a T Riders Union organizer, interrupted Monday’s MBTA fare hike meeting with a bullhorn.
The fare package approved Monday includes a slight reduction in the cash fare for bus trips. The current fare of $2.10 will go down to $2 under the proposal adopted unanimously. Bus fares with a Charlie card will increase from $1.60 to $1.70 under the proposal.
Monthly passes for students and seniors will increase to $30, a smaller hike than either of the two options put on the table in January. Student passes are currently $26 per month and senior passes are $29.
Users of the Ride, a scheduled door-to-door paratransit service, will experience a 5 percent increase in fares.
For other riders the hikes will be more significant. A bus-subway pass price will increase to $84.50 per month, a $9.50 hike. Zone 8 monthly passes on the commuter rail will shoot up $33 to $363.
